Debate contribution: Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill: Second Stage

Debate contribution by Ms Kellie Armstrong on 15 September 2026.

MLA: Ms Kellie Armstrong
Party at the time: Alliance Party
Date: 15 September 2026
Type: Debate contribution
Business: Private Members' Business
Heading: Conversion Practices (Criminalisation) Bill: Second Stage
Assembly identifier: Official Report component 5707449

Text

Thank you very much, Mr Deputy Speaker. I agree with the Member. If the DUP goes ahead and votes against there being scrutiny at Committee Stage, an opportunity will be lost. I truly believe that the Committee Stage would provide an opportunity for further scrutiny and refinement. I am content to support the Bill at Second Stage, and I look forward to hearing Eóin's responses to the questions that I have asked. Before I finish, I congratulate Paul Boggs on his maiden speech. I chose draft legislation as the subject of my maiden speech, because — thank goodness — there is no time limit. Well done for that. As Mr Frew has done, I pay tribute to Eóin Tennyson for bringing forward a Member's Bill. It is not easy and, as Members heard earlier, it does not matter how long it has been since you passed a Bill, people keep trying to goad you about things. It is a pity that they did not understand the legislation.
The stress and the PTSD that I am now remembering from that time is difficult, so congratulations, Eóin. I look forward to the Bill going through.

193 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Awaiting analysis

This record has not been analysed yet. It is not counted in any total until it has been assessed.

Disagree with this assessment?

Classifications can be challenged. A person reviews every challenge, and any change is recorded publicly above with its reason.

Challenge this classification